What happened to Florence (Marla Gibbs)?
Florence’s fate on The Jeffersons is tied to her departure from the series as a main character, but there are some key points to know:
1. Florence’s Departure in the Later Seasons
Florence remained with the Jeffersons for much of the show’s run, but in the final seasons of The Jeffersons, her character was gradually phased out. Marla Gibbs, the actress who played Florence, began to appear less frequently, and by the final season, Florence was no longer a central figure in the show.
- Behind the Scenes: There was speculation that Marla Gibbs’ reduced role on The Jeffersons was due to a combination of creative choices by the writers and Gibbs’ desire to focus on other projects. At the time, Gibbs had been cast in the lead role of the sitcom 227 (which premiered in 1985), a show that also focused on the daily lives of an African-American family and was seen as a more fitting vehicle for her talents.
2. Florence’s Final Appearance
Florence’s final appearance on The Jeffersons occurred in the 11th season of the show, during the episode titled “The Big Move,” which aired on July 2, 1985. This episode was the show’s series finale.
In this episode, the Jeffersons prepare to move out of their luxurious Upper East Side apartment, and Florence is there to help with the move. Her departure was in line with the show’s final shift, as the characters were moving on to new phases in their lives. The character of Florence was given a farewell, but her role had already been significantly diminished by that point.
3. Marla Gibbs and 227
After The Jeffersons, Marla Gibbs went on to star in her own successful sitcom, 227, which premiered in 1985. Gibbs played the lead role of Mary Jenkins, a sharp, witty, and community-minded woman living in an apartment building in Washington, D.C. 227 was a hit in its own right, running for five seasons (1985–1990), and allowed Gibbs to showcase her comedic talents in a more central role, unlike her character Florence on The Jeffersons, where she often played a supporting part.
- While 227 focused on different characters and storylines, Gibbs’ portrayal of Mary Jenkins was similarly strong and memorable, making her one of the few actresses to star in two successful sitcoms in the 1980s.
4. Florence’s Legacy on The Jeffersons
Florence was one of the first TV characters to depict a Black maid with a sharp, independent personality. She was not a typical, subservient character but instead had a mind of her own and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, often making her the source of comic relief with her sassy remarks and humorous interactions with the Jeffersons, particularly George.
- Florence’s Impact: Marla Gibbs’ portrayal of Florence left a lasting mark on television. Florence was an important figure in The Jeffersons, representing both humor and strength. While she was still an employee of the Jefferson family, the character’s wit and confidence made her stand out, and she became a fan favorite. Gibbs’s ability to balance humor with moments of sincerity made Florence a unique and memorable character.
Florence Johnston, the Jefferson family’s maid, gradually took a backseat in the final seasons of The Jeffersons, with her role being significantly reduced by the time of the show’s cancellation. This was partly due to Marla Gibbs’ focus on her new sitcom 227. Florence’s final appearance was in the series finale of The Jeffersons, where the family prepares to move to a new chapter of their lives.
Despite her departure, Florence remains an iconic TV character, remembered for her sharp wit and contributions to the cultural impact of The Jeffersons. Marla Gibbs went on to have a successful career, particularly with 227, where she became a lead character, continuing her legacy in television.
